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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Main Idea of reading Comprehension

Paragraph 1:
The idea that women are not equal to men has been a prevailing, common theme in literature since the beginning of time. Like their predecessors, Renaissance writers staunchly laid down the tenet that women were less valuable throughout the pages of effusive literary writings, where women are alternately idolized as virtuous or shunned as harlots. One man proved  to be a glaring contradiction to this falsity. That man was William Shakespeare and he had the courage in those turbulent days to recognize the value and equality of women. His portrayal of women differed than that of many of his contemporaries during the Renaissance era.

Paragraph 2:
America has been hailed as “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” ever since that frightful night Francis Scott Key penned the words to The Star-Spangled Banner. He believed (as the First Amendment guaranteed) that America was a place where freedom would reign, and every person had the right to pursue every dream. This may have been true for citizens of the U.S., but not so for many immigrants who chose this great country as their home. In fact, many of these travelers have experienced horror beyond imagination. Often, their stories are not ones with happy endings; rather, they experienced hopelessness  trying to achieve the American Dream – a dream that was not theirs to have.



Paragraph 3:
Children dream of the day when they will be grown up. They will no longer have bedtimes, bath-times, curfews, or any other restrictions. They believe that being an experienced adult will truly give them freedom. Then they grow up. They are saddled by bills, responsibilities, sleepiness, and an overwhelming urge for more vacations. Now they long for the days they could roam free all summer without a care in the world. Innocence has always battled with experience. Taking one view, author William Wordsworth believed that innocence was the highest state and could not see past the golden curls of youth, whereas author Charlotte Smith believed that maturity offered the most to humanity through wisdom.

Paragraph 4:
Nature is valued highly in many cultures. The majestic sweep of a mountainside or the vast expanse of glittering seas can inspire people everywhere. Painters, designers, poets, architects, and various other artists have drawn strength and enlightenment from magnificent works of nature such as these. Among those gifted people, poets seem to be the best at expressing the awe and wonder of viewing art in nature. William Wordsworth is just that kind of poet. He believed that nature is a cleansing vent for troubled minds, extending clarity to the lives of humans. His poetic works have inspired nature-lovers for centuries by displaying the true beauty that only a seasoned writer, like Wordsworth, can accurately depict.

Paragraph 5:
The Right To Life Group is a non-partisan group dedicated to life. They strongly believe in preserving human life, both born and unborn, and the notion that a person has the right to dignity “from the time of fertilization to natural death.” Life is sacred to this group of people, and as such, they stress that they do not believe in violence to dissuade abortion doctors from completing abortions. Anti-abortionists who kill clinic workers are considered criminals by the RTL staff as they choose to ignore one of the Ten Commandments given in the Law of the Old Testament of the Bible: Thou shall not kill. RTL members cling to this mandate theoretically and practically, speaking out against violence toward clinics.

Paragraph 6:
Society, though not perfect, is a working group of people trying to live together in peace. For the most part, people tend to obey the laws set before them and abide by societal codes. However, some people believe the government has made desperate errors, and they wish to change the status quo only to bring peace again in a different way. Those people begin what are known as social movements. These are small groups within societies that seek change. These social movements can rally around anything from saving eagles to saving trees and once a social movement is in motion, it either is inculcated into society or fizzles out. Either way, society will emerge from the social movement and will stabilize again into peace.

Paragraph 7:
Nathaniel Hawthorne is a name associated with many different styles of writing that have intrigued the reader well past the 19th century. Born in the infamous city of Salem, Massachusetts on Independence day in 1804, he grew up with many obstacles that influenced his writing and led him to adopt various patterns instead of relying on one sole medium to convey his thoughts. He was a novelist, a master of the short story, and a poetic essayist. One facet, though, that tied his works together, was his brilliant use of the concepts of both the Enlightenment and Romanticism. Hawthorne combined and intertwined those concepts to project themes in his various short stories and novels, of which he was a master.

Paragraph 8:
The digital divide is an issue that sheds light on a pervasive social situation in the U.S.: some people in the U.S. have access to the Internet and its extensive array of information, but other people do not. The difference between the people who can sign on and those who can’t is a difference that has always divided the nation: race or ethnicity. In today’s society, the Internet is power because of the vast amount of information it provides, opportunities it creates, and its linkage to future societal norms. Therefore, the digital divide is not an easily solved economic issue as it may seem at first, but rather a social issue, and one that is merely a glimpse into the bigger picture of social inequality.




Paragraph 9:
Because the Internet exists in a world that is already regulated with policies and laws, government officials, upholders of current laws, should be the people responsible for the regulation of the Internet. With this responsibility comes the enormous task of managing the protection of First Amendment rights, and honoring social and public interests across the world. That being said, the ultimate responsibility still rests in the hands of Internet users who vote – they, along with the officials elected to serve them, make up the global community. Voters have the ability to elect responsible individuals to the appropriate posts, and the elected officials have the responsibility to act on the will of the people.

Paragraph 10:
Despite modern outcries for technology in schools, some skeptics believe technology has no place in the modern classroom, and argue against it for several reasons. Some of the loudest, most heavily researched arguments come from The Alliance for Childhood, an organization whose mission involves supporting the rights of children globally. They have completed a report called, “Fools Gold: A Critical Look at Computers and Childhood.” The document’s authors purport these: (1) there are no conclusive stats that prove technology’s helpfulness in school, and (2) kids need hands-on, real-world learning, not computer training. Their research backs up their claims, which heightens the debate about what real learning means.


Paragraph 11:
The physical environment of a classroom is extremely important because it can influence the way teachers and students feel, think, and behave. If a student feels pressured, under stress, unhappy, or unsafe, it would be impossible for her or him to learn the lessons planned by the educator. Likewise, if a teacher feels unhappy or disorganized because of the classroom's lack of order or detail, the ability for her to teach is greatly diminished. The environment of a classroom serves four basic functions: security, social contact, pleasure, and growth. For real learning and teaching to take place, all four of those needs must be met by the class space.

Paragraph 12:
Given the European historical experience and the balance-of-power model, many believe China cannot rise peacefully to power, but there are a few people who offer refreshing, persuasive, and provocative views stating otherwise. These nay sayers emphasizes that from a realist perspective, China's rise should already be provoking balancing behavior by its neighbors; however, its rise has generated little of that response. East Asian states are not balancing China; they are accommodating it, because China has not sought to translate its dominant position into conquest of its neighbors. Whether China's emergence as a global power can peacefully find a place in East Asia and the world is a major issue in today's international political environment, one that warrants a responsible look.

Paragraph 13:
Often when it rains, a particular dreariness descends upon the earth. Most people hide out in their houses sending forlorn glances out the window. Animals scamper off to nooks and crannies, poking their heads out to timidly sniff the air for signs of dry weather. Despite the pellets of water cascading from the sky, an occasional brave soul will venture out for a jog in the drizzle or a bird will chirp merrily in a mud puddle, dismissing the downpour. Some people call these adventurers crazy, but others celebrate the willingness of these individuals to embrace negativity and turn it into something positive.



Paragraph 14:
From adolescence, data show that males outperform females on math tests and tests of math reasoning, despite differences in IQ. The current data with college students and a simple test of arithmetic ability show that males still score higher than females even when performance is measured using a third grade arithmetic test. The cause for the variance in numbers is questionable because the intelligence quotient in the tested students ranged from below to above average in both sexes.  The finding of a sex difference in math performance from adolescence is a finding that arouses curiosity as to the cause of the difference – is nature or nurture involved or a combination of both.

Paragraph 15:
Going to the movies has become a weekend activity that many people pay large amounts of money to do. Movies are pricey these days, but the medium never fails to draw crowds. And while some movies have excellent plots, characterization and cinematography, others are simply horrible in just about every way. Yet once in a while, a film will appear on the big screen that will earn itself a rightful place in history as a magnificent film, one that touches the lives of people. And really, isn't that all people are really looking for as they trek out to the show, weekend after weekend? A brief glimpse into a life where people express what the moviegoer is also feeling? It must be, otherwise people would spare their wallets and stay home.

Paragraph 16:
As troops fought their way throughout the desert during the war in Iraq, the narrative from the mainstream media was nearly synonymous with that of the anti-war left. The military mission was continuously undermined by media reports claiming that American troops were killers and that the war on terror was all but lost. Frustrated with the lies and exaggerations perpetuated by the media, Melanie Morgan decided to fight back. So Morgan joined forces with political strategists Sal Russo and Howard Kaloogian to create a pro-troop nonprofit organization that hosts Troopathon, a yearly web telethon fundraiser that raises money to send care packages to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. Since the first Troopathon was held three years ago, the organization has raised over $2 million.

Paragraph 17:
At one time or another, most adults have been in a romantic relationship. A guy walks up to a girl at a bar, gets her number, and the beginning of a relationship is formed. A guy and a girl meet in Physics class, get paired as study partners, and the rest is history. Two high school sweethearts rekindle an old flame on Facebook after years apart. These types of simple encounters may lead to relationships, and even though that first meeting is easy, the entire relationship is not. A lot of work goes into making a true bonded relationship, and when that work is bypassed, the relationship may not last.

Paragraph 18:
Slowly, over the past several decades, technology, in all its various forms, has been creeping into the educational institutions of the United States and is now a pervasive presence.  Computers are present in most classrooms; second grade students use digital cameras for science projects; teachers use document cameras for lectures; and students of all ages research on the Internet via smartphones, smartpads and laptops.  While advocates have cheered and opponents have grumbled, technology has made its way into classrooms across the U. S. and knowledge of its applications has become a prerequisite for a modern education. Some people, however, do not accept this stance wholeheartedly.  Opponents of the massive influx of technology into school systems state that the results of the technology have, thus far, not proven to be sufficient grounds for accepting it and its shortcomings.  Despite their good intentions, these critics of technology integration are mistaken, and about twenty years behind the times.


Paragraph 19:
The recording industry has gone too far in its fight against file sharers in that Copyright Management Systems (CMS), used to enforce Copyright Management Information (CMI), can impinge on users “fair use” of digital information.  According to U.S. code, Title 17, chapter 1, section 107, copying of copyrighted information is allowed “for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research”.
Many proposed systems of copyright management, such as creating hardware with “anti-copying” devices already installed, can impinge on this fair use allotment in copyright law by preventing professionals with legitimate defense from exercising proper usages. It can also prevent the copying of non-copyrighted material by the average user. If a person wishes to make a copy of a non-copyrighted CD, so as to have a copy at home and one in the car, a copyright management system would prevent him or her from this fair use act.

Paragraph 20: Mares
A recent study followed bands of feral horses in the Kaimanawa Mountains of New Zealand over the course of three years, has some interesting findings regarding foaling rates of social mares. Elissa Z. Cameron, now at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and two colleagues computed sociality scores for fifty-six mares, based on parameters such as the proportion of time each animal spent near other mares and the amount of social grooming she did. The team found that the scores correlated well with foaling rate: more sociable mares had more foals. They also suffered slightly less harassment by the bands' few males.




Passage 21
Many people claim that they do not have time to work exercise into their daily schedules.  However, exercise can be easily worked one’s daily routine.  For instance, one can do stretches while taking a shower.  While standing in line at the grocery store, one can flex the abs or clench the rear.  One can even do calf raises while talking on the phone.  More ideas: try walking around the building during lunch breaks and always take the stairs.

Passage 22
Many parents tend to think of day-care centers as breeding grounds for colds.  But new research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to develop immunity to many of the viruses responsible for the common cold.  An article published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children ages 6 to 11 who had been enrolled at large day-care centers as toddlers had about one-third as many colds as children who had stayed home as toddlers.  Dr. Thomas Ball, one of the authors of the study, says that when children have colds as toddlers, their immune systems are learning from these experiences, and this learning will come back to protect children later in life.  Such news should be reassuring to parents whose preschool children are in daycare.

Passage 23
The treatment of eating disorders is complex and demanding.  The initial physical care for a person with anorexia most often begins with hospitalization.  In addition, drug therapy to decrease hyperactivity and stimulate appetite is often used.  Behavioral modification, including eating contracts, is used, as is psychotherapy in both individual and group sessions.  Nutritional and family counseling complete the therapy.
(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)


Passage 24
Sexuality is a common topic for humor in England.  In the United States, sexual jokes are also popular.  However, in China and Israel, they are almost nonexistent.  Israeli humor is described as aggressive humor, humor that reflects the instability of its people's lives because of war.  The French are also known to enjoy aggressive humor, by playfully making fun of others.  Clearly, a nation's humor reflects its people's lives.
(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)

Passage 25
There are a number of activities that can be used to enhance your emotional growth.  First, you can keep a daily journal.  Writing down thoughts is an effective way of achieving better self-understanding.  Second, you can join a support group.  Sharing experiences creates an environment that will support your efforts to grow as a more interesting person.  Third, take an assertiveness training course.  Last, seek counseling.
(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)

Passage 26
Transcenders have more peak or creative experiences than other people.  Transcenders are also innovators who are attracted to mystery and the unknown.  In addition, transcenders tend to fuse work and play.  Furthermore, these people are more likely to accept others with an unconditional positive regard.  Thus, there are many qualities that separate transcenders from people who have not reached the stage of self-actualization.
(adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)


Passage 27
Why do people drink alcoholic beverages?  Drinkers offer many different explanations for their behavior.  Some say that alcoholic beverages are more thirst quenching.  Others say that they taste better.  Stills others say they drink because their friends all drink.  And some say they drink to feel or to show that they are adults. 

Passage 28
Many factors influence the absorption of alcohol in the body.  Strength of beverage is certainly one of these factors.  Another is the number of drinks consumed.  The speed of consumption is also important.  If consumed rapidly, even relatively few drinks will result in a large concentration that will lead to high blood alcohol concentrations.  In addition, the presence of food and the drinker's individual body chemistry play a role. (adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)

Passage 29
If a person who has been drinking heavily cannot be aroused, you should seek emergency medical help.  If a drinker has a weak, rapid pulse, this is also an indication of alcohol intoxication.  Likewise, if a drinker has an unusual or irregular breathing pattern, medical attention may be needed.  And if the drinker's skin is pale, cool, bluish, get help.  These are all symptoms of alcohol intoxication and the need for emergency help. (adapted from D. Hahn and W. Payne, Focus on Health)

Passage 30
On Monday, my daughter came down with a cold.  On Tuesday, my son inadvertently dropped his glasses into the creek behind our house.  On Wednesday, I did not turn the oven on while I was "baking" the roast.  And Thursday, the driver behind me at the drive-thru decided to drive through me.  This has certainly been a bad week for me!

Passage 31
A variety of methods can be used to assist people who are suffering from mental disorders.  One such therapy is insight-oriented therapy.  Proponents of this approach believe that success can be achieved only if the client gains insight into the experiences that led up to his or her problem.  Another type of therapy is behavior therapy.  This approach attempts to make changes by using scientifically tested principles of operant and classical conditioning.  Still another type of therapy is group therapy.  This type of therapy involves a therapist and several clients who are all troubled by similar problems.
(adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)

Passage 32
One sign of pregnancy is nausea upon awakening.  Other signs are increase in size and tenderness of the breasts.  Still other signs include increase in the frequency of urination and an increase in the size of the abdomen.  Thus, aside from pregnancy tests, a woman can sometimes recognize the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Passage 33
Is this year's holiday season making you tired?  You can easily perk up by following a few easy tips.  First, get plenty of rest.  Second, snack wisely.  Third, keep fit.  Exercise is very important during the holidays--and not just for its weight benefits.  Fourth, take a relaxing bath, and finally try sharing with others.

Passage 34
Are you confused by your holiday leftovers?  Well, don't save any food that has been sitting around on your dining room table or counters for more than two hours after cooking.  Do place the leftovers in the refrigerator while they are still warm.  Don't waste those turkey scraps:  add them to a salad or make a delicious soup.  There are many strategies that you should use when dealing with holiday leftovers.  You can even pool your leftovers with friends and neighbors by having an after-holiday potluck dinner.

Passage 35
An interesting feature of body language is that we are often unaware of it.  We usually do not consciously decide that we will smile, dilate our pupils, and move closer to someone to show our attraction.  We may not be aware that narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw may reveal our anger or rage. Nor are we necessarily aware that eyebrows up and eye blinks reveal that we are startled.  (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske, Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)
Passage 36
Imagine parents' reaction as their rugged young son strides into the living room sporting a dress and hugging a doll.  Equally upsetting to some parents is a little daughter who insists on dressing like a cowboy and beating up the little boy next door.  Problems sometimes result when people rigidly adopt the role of the opposite sex.  This relatively rare childhood disorder is called a gender-identity disorder. (Adapted from Worchel and Shebilske, Psychology: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition)

Passage 37
Yesterday's storm did considerable damage to our neighborhood.  Many stately oaks were uprooted, and several large old pine trees crushed the roofs of at least five houses.  The hail that accompanied the storm damaged all of the cars that were not under shelter, and my neighbor's home was completely demolished.  And my own "detached" garage was certainly detached from its foundation.  Clearly, yesterday's storm caused much destruction.

Passage 38
Some folks think that pets are trustworthy and harmless creatures.  However, it's surprising what little thieves these creatures can be.  My daughter's ferret has stolen my checkbook, my calculator, my wallet, and my change purse.  My officemate's dog stole a neighbor's T-bone steak right off the grill.  My old dog Moonbear was known to steal freshly baked cherry pies and peanut butter cookies, while the dog that lived below us stole his master's roast one day.

Passage 39
Lara is quite different from her sister Lisa.  Lara's hair is jet black and curly, while Lisa's is blond and straight.  Lara stands 5 feet 10 inches in her stocking feet, while Lisa is a mere 5 feet 2 inches (in heels!).  Furthermore, Lara's complexion is olive, quite unlike Lisa's rosy hue. 

Passage 40
Many people are not good listeners.  They may not even realize that they lack this skill.  But almost anyone can become a better listener by being aware of certain negative listening habits.  One such habit is jumping to conclusions before hearing the entire message.  Another bad habit is to nod off when someone is speaking in a monotone.  Turning off to speakers who are not necessarily experts is also a negative listening habit. Yet another bad habit to avoid is the habit of reacting emotionally to certain words.

Paragraph 41
Always warm up before attempting any strength training exercises.  Failure to warm up can cause injuries to cold muscles.  Remember to use proper lifting procedures for safety sake.  In addition, to avoid harm, make sure that you have a spotter with you if you are using free weights.  You can also avoid injury by working within your limits and avoiding the need to show off. (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)  ________________________________

Paragraph 42
One technique to manage stress is self-hypnosis.  Another relaxation technique is the “relaxation response.”  In this technique, one learns how to quiet the body and mind.  Still another way to manage stress is progressive muscular relaxation.  This is a procedure in which muscles are contracted and relaxed systematically.  Other techniques include yoga, quieting, and diaphragmatic breathing. (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)  __________________________



Paragraph 43
People who are obese are likely to develop type II, non-insulin dependent diabetes.    In fact, 90% of obese people develop this disease.  Seventy percent of obese people will develop heart disease, and 33% will develop hypertension.  Colon and breast cancers are also linked to obesity. (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)  ___________________________________
  

Paragraph 44
Eliminating cigarette and tobacco use can reduce one’s risk for cardiovascular disease.  Increasing physical activity is another lifestyle change that will reduce one’s chances of developing heart disease.  Another controllable risk factor for heart disease is blood cholesterol level.  If we change our eating habits, we can lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, thus reducing our risk of disease.  The last controllable risk factor is high blood pressure, a risk factor than can be reduced through changes in lifestyle.
_______________________________
  

Paragraph 45
Shortly after a loved one has died, grieving people often experience physical discomfort such as shortness of breath and tightness of the throat.  Grieving people may also experience a sense of numbness.   Another common emotion of the bereaved is feelings of detachment from others.  Still other bereaved people are preoccupied with the image of the deceased.  Some may not be able to complete everyday tasks without thinking of their lost loved one.  Still other survivors may be overcome with feelings of guilt, feeling that they somehow neglected or ignored their departed loved one. (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)  ________________________________________

Paragraph 46
Denial is typically the first stage that dying people experience.  Many patients refuse to believe that they will really die.  After experiencing the denial stage, many patients experience anger.  They may feel they have been cheated.  This stage is typically followed by the bargaining stage.  Some patients feel that if they make a bargain with God, they will be healed.  When these patients realize that bargaining will not work, they may enter the next phase, depression, withdrawing from close relatives and friends.  The final stage is acceptance, a phase which ensures a sense of peace. (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)
______________________________________


Paragraph 47
According to Leming and Dickinson (1990), grief peaks in the week after a loved one's funeral.  To help the bereaved, friends and family should try not to make demands on the grieving individual.  Instead, they should allow the bereaved time to grieve.  The bereaved can also be helped by assisting them with daily household chores.  It is likewise helpful to talk with the bereaved person about the deceased and to express one’s own feelings of sadness and loss but without pity.  Friends and family can also help the bereaved by keeping regular contact with them, inviting them to dinner or to movies or just offering a friendly call or a visit.(Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health) ___________________________ 


Paragraph 48 
When you register for a math class, try to select a teacher who can explain concepts clearly.  Also, find a math teacher who is willing to answer students' questions in class.  Not all are willing to do so.  Try to choose a math teacher who is willing to help students after class, preferable one who keeps his or her office hours and one who does not frown at the sight of a student at the office door.  When choosing a math instructor, try to find one who gives fair tests and who provides useful handouts that complement class notes. (Adapted from Richard Smith, Mastering Mathematics)___________________________________________________________


Paragraph 49
If you have a weak background in mathematics, begin each course with the mindset that you will take the course seriously whether or not the grade will count toward your degree requirements.  To makeup for a weak background, try to find a teacher who enjoys teaching learning support mathematics classes.  If your background is weak, make a point to attend every class and do all of the assigned homework regularly, even if that homework is not collected by the instructor.  Also, go to the Math Lab; students who use the math lab generally perform better than students who don't.  (Adapted from Richard Smith, Mastering Mathematics)_________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 50
If you are having trouble with your math instructor, do not use this problem as an excuse of not doing well in the class.  If you cannot understand your instructor, ask the teacher to slow down his or her pace and review the textbook's concepts before the teacher presents them in class.  If you cannot follow the teacher's notes, work with other students in your class or refer to the math text's study guide to make sense of your notes.  If your math teacher will not make time to answer your questions, go to the Math Lab, ask another teacher, or get help from an A student.  (Adapted from Richard Smith, Mastering Mathematics)______________________________________
Answer Keys

Answer 1: Shakespeare
Although most Renaissance writers propagated the belief that women were not equal with men, Shakespeare's writings portrayed women as men's equals.

Answer 2: Immigrants
Despite America's tenet that every person is free to experience the American dream, that belief isn't always true, especially for immigrants.

Answer 3: Innocence and Experience
Innocence has always battled with experience.
Answer 4: Nature
Although nature inspires artists of all kinds, poets are the best at expressing the beauty of nature and among them, Wordsworth is one of the best.

Answer 5: Right To Life
The Right To Life group is dedicated to all human life.
Answer 6: Social Movements
Social movements can disrupt society's peace, but only momentarily.
Answer 7: Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne used many different types of writing well to convey ideas.
Answer 8: Digital Divide
The digital divide is not an easily solved economic issue as it may seem at first, but rather a social issue, and one that is merely a glimpse into the bigger picture of social inequality.



Answer 9: Internet Regulation
Elected governmental officials should regulate the Internet, acting on the will of the people.

Answer 10: Classroom Technology
Groups like The Alliance for Childhood argue that technology has no place in the modern classroom.

Answer 11: Classrooms
This is a stated main idea: The physical environment of a classroom is extremely important because it can influence the way teachers and students feel, think, and behave.

Answer 12: China Power
This is a stated main idea: Whether China's emergence as a global power can peacefully find a place in East Asia and the world is a major issue in today's international political environment, one that warrants a responsible look.

Answer 13: Rain
This is an implied main idea: It's abnormal to venture out in the rain, but the positive results can be well worth it.

Answer 14: Math
This is an implied main idea: Although males outperform females on math tests, the cause of the discrepancy is unknown.

Answer 15: Movies
This is an implied main idea: People are willing to pay high prices for movies on the weekends in order to experience camaraderie with others.

Answer 16: Troopathon
This is an implied main idea: Melanie Morgan created the Troopathon to counteract the negative personification of troops displayed by the media.

Answer 17: Relationships
This is an implied main idea: Getting into a relationship is easy, but staying in one is not.


Answer 18: Educational Technology
This is an implied main idea: Technology is pervasive in today's classrooms, and although critics doubt its use in education, their viewpoint is faulty.

Answer 19: Fair Use
This is a stated main idea: The recording industry has gone too far in its fight against file sharers in that Copyright Management Systems can impinge on users fair use of digital information.

Answer 20: Mares
This is a stated main idea: A recent study found that more sociable mares had more foals.

Answer 21:  However, exercise can be easily worked one’s daily routine.

Answer 22:   But new research suggests that children in day-care centers appear to develop immunity to many of the viruses responsible for the common cold. 

Answer 23: The treatment of eating disorders is complex and demanding.

Answer 24:  Clearly, a nation's humor reflects its people's lives.

Answer 25: There are a number of activities that can be used to enhance your emotional growth.

Answer 26:   Thus, there are many qualities that separate transcenders from people who have not reached the stage of self-actualization.

Answer 27:   Drinkers offer many different explanations.

Answer 28: Many factors influence the absorption of alcohol in the body.

Answer 29: These are all symptoms of alcohol intoxication and the need for emergency help.

Answer 30:   This has certainly been a bad week for me!

Answer 31: A variety of methods can be used to assist people who are suffering from mental disorders.

Answer 32: a woman can sometimes recognize the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Answer 33: You can easily perk up by following a few easy tips.

Answer 34:  There are many strategies that you should use when dealing with holiday leftovers.

Answer 35: An interesting feature of body language is that we are often unaware of it.

Answer 36:  This relatively rare childhood disorder is called a gender-identity disorder.

Answer 37: Yesterday's storm did considerable damage to our neighborhood.   Clearly, yesterday's storm caused much destruction. Here the first and last sentence say essentially the same thing.

Answer 38:  However, it's surprising what little thieves these creatures can be.

Answer 39: Lara is quite different from her sister Lisa.
Answer 40: But almost anyone can become a better listener by being aware of certain negative listening habits.

Answer 41: To avoid injury during strength or weight training, observe several safety precautions.  (Adapted from Hahn and Payne, Focus on Health)

Answer 42: There are a number of stress management techniques. 

Answer 43:  Many diseases are related to obesity.

Answer 44:  There are four  risk factors for heart disease (cardiovascular disease) that can be reduced by lifestyle changes and choices.

Answer 45:  Most  people who experience the death of a loved one experience a number of sensations and emotions.

Answer 46: Dying people often go through five psychological stages.

Answer 47:  Friends and family can do a variety of things to help the bereaved cope with grief.

Answer 48: There are several important things to consider when you choose a math teacher.

Answer 49: There are several ways that students can overcome a weak background in mathematics.

Answer 50: There are a number of way to overcome a poor math instructor or Bad math instructors can be overcome using a variety of strategies.